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Sound Transit seeks input on proposed 2013 service changes

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More peak-hour bus trips north and south, extra Sounder train south

Sound Transit has released a draft of the 2013 Service Implementation Plan that seeks to maximize efficiencies on its ST Express system of regional buses by reducing service on low-performing routes while adding service to corridors where double-digit ridership growth has caused overcrowding on some buses.

The 2013 plan also adds a tenth Sounder commuter rail round-trip train between Lakewood and Seattle.

The proposed changes will go live during regularly scheduled service changes in June and September of 2013. Sound Transit is seeking input on the proposed changes at a series of upcoming public meetings and a public hearing in November.

Input gathered will be presented to the Sound Transit Board in December as it considers the service plan during the agency's budget development process.

A summary and complete Draft Service Implementation Plan is available here:
www.soundtransit.org/SIP

Comments can be submitted at the open houses, public hearing or Board meeting and also emailed to fastride@soundtransit.org.

Highlights of proposed changes by area include:

Snohomish County
Additional peak-period service to address overcrowding on Routes 510 and 513 (Everett - Seattle). Off-peak service between Snohomish County and Seattle would be consolidated into one route (Route 512).

East King/South King County
Additional peak-period service to address overcrowding on Routes 545 (Seattle -- Redmond), 550 (Seattle - Bellevue) and 577 (Seattle - Federal Way).

New express service between Kent Station and Bellevue/Overlake timed to meet peak-direction Sounder trains at Kent Station.

Low-ridership midday trips deleted on Route 566 (Auburn -- Overlake).

All-day service between Westwood Village and Sea-Tac Airport and Bellevue on Route 560 with more efficient routing. Route 560 service between the Alaska Junction and Westwood Village deleted to avoid duplication with Metro RapidRide.

Additional Sounder commuter train between Lakewood and Seattle will be added in September.

Sound Transit will host four open houses over the next month to further explain and gather feedback about the proposals. The open houses will be:

Tuesday, Oct. 23, 5-7 p.m.
Everett Station
First Floor
3201 Smith Ave.
Everett, WA 98201

Wednesday, Oct. 24, 5-7 p.m.
Renton Pavilion Event Center
233 Burnett Ave. S.
Renton, WA 98057

Thursday, Oct. 25, 5-7 p.m.
Westwood Village
Onboard an ST Express Bus parked at:
SW Barton Street and 29th Avenue SW on the SW side of Westwood Village
Seattle, WA 98126

Thursday, Nov. 1, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Sound Transit Headquarters
Union Station Great Hall
401 S. Jackson St.
Seattle, WA 98104

12:30-1 p.m.
Public Hearing at Sound Transit Headquarters
Union Station Ruth Fisher Board Room
401 S. Jackson St.
Seattle, WA 98104